Planning a summer road trip? Well, don't forget the most crucial component to having a safe and pleasant trip. No, it's not bottled water and a large plastic container to pee in. It's music. More specifically, a ready-to-go mix of songs skillfully programmed to match the ebb and flow of driving a long distance. We suggest your mix include short, classic pop songs that everyone in the car can shout along to, longer, more lyrically adventurous, and vocally challenging epics, and tracks with extended instrumental passages or no singing at all so you and your passengers can rest your voices. Keeping all of this in mind, check out the following 10 perfect songs for a summer road trip.

1. "Born to be Wild"

   Yeah, it's obvious, but what else are you going to put on when you pull out of the driveway and "head out on the highway?" Steppenwolf composed and recorded some of the most intense and iconic songs of the psychedelic era, including this one, "Magic Carpet Ride," and "The Pusher." Songs like these aren't "written." They instead bubble up out of the Earth's crust and possess the first hapless group of dudes with electric guitars closest to the vicinity. This song never gets old and everyone in your car should know the words. If they don't, kick them out of the car before you hit the freeway.

2. "Born to Run"

   This is one song that can make paying a toll, pulling out of a McDonald's drive-thru, or trying to pass someone who refuses to go more than 40 mph in the fast lane, an incredibly melodramatic experience. Although Springsteen's intimations of "suicide" are a bit muddled throughout the lyrics — why exactly are the song's narrator and "Wendy" riding in a "suicide machine" to get out of a town that's a "suicide rap?" — its overall message of one day getting to that "place where we really wanna go" complements any leg of a journey, including pulling into a rest stop for a bathroom break to try to outrun the local highway patrol. Just remember to wear your seatbelt!

3. "Born Under a Bad Sign"

   You will most likely want to catch your breath after those first two scream-along songs. So next up, we suggest you drop this instrumental version of the blues classic "Born Under a Bad Sign" by Jimi Hendrix, which everyone on board can slowly bob their head to. As the driver, you're guaranteed to feel your mojo workin' as Hendrix's salute to the great blues guitarist Albert King snakes its way throughout the interior of your car and the ear drums of your passengers. By the song's end, everyone will feel cooler than they actually are. And that's not a bad thing!

4. "Born This Way"

   She was born to make music for clubs, but there's no question Lady Gaga made this song, with a little uncredited help from Madonna, for the car stereo. Now be warned, you're going to have to resist flooring the gas on the song's chorus. Why risk getting pulled over by an unsympathetic highway patrolman who might have issues with a carload of hopped-up highway travelers screaming along to a song by a meat-dress-wearing broad from New York City?

5. Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon

   You can't cherry-pick songs from this classic album. In order to appreciate the full power of this masterpiece in post-psychedelic lunacy, you just have to listen to it in its entirety, from beginning to end. The whole album is a trip. Over the course of the album's 10 tracks, the once-boring passing highway scenery will slowly transform itself into something mysterious and surreal. Halfway through, you and everyone in the car will either scream along with, or be stunned into submission by, the wordless, wailing vocal performance on "The Great Gig in the Sky," by the then-22-year-old session singer Clare Torry.

6. "Blue Lines" by Massive Attack

   This is the perfect segue out of the epic trip you've just experienced with the Floyd. A sonic respite that allows you to check to see if everyone is still conscious in the back seat and if you accidentally left one of your kids behind at the last rest stop. The lyrics to this joint are completely senseless, and are so steeped in late '90s British slang and attitude, that you can be content to just hum along, maybe make up your own words, while taking a few sips off the 64-ounce Diet Coke you got at the 7-Eleven.

7. "Personal Jesus" by Depeche Mode

   Maybe Depeche Mode's "Behind The Wheel" is the more obvious choice, but "Personal Jesus" just swings in a way that so strongly evokes the feeling of driving down the highway. The timbre of the twanging guitar, the crazy, looped samples of heavy breathing, and recurring tidal wave crescendos of sound all grind, oscillate, and vibrate together like the mechanics of a well-kept engine. Cue this one up and then check your rearview mirror to see if anyone in the back seat is getting, well, you know, "excited!"

8. "You're All I've Got Tonight" by The Cars

   So maybe we need to include at least one song that mentions a car by name. The problem is, most songs named after cars truly suck. So instead, we suggest a song by The Cars. This is a track from the band's first album, an album that not surprisingly sounds incredible in a car. Crank this song up and, with some help from your passengers, try to match those creamy Cars harmonies. Once this song is over, you're probably good for at least another six hours of driving.

9. "Cars" by Gary Numan

   Did you really think we wouldn't include this song on our list? What's great about this song is that Numan doesn't name a specific type of car in its lyrics. He's just talking about "cars," as if they were all identical and served one purpose: to protect their inhabitants. The track's extended instrumental ending is pure driving music. In fact, there are so many little hooks, riffs, and melodies throughout the composition, you could try assigning the separate parts of the song to each passenger in the car and see what that sounds like!

10. "Route 66" by Nat King Cole

    The aforementioned Depeche Mode had the good taste to mash this one up with their own "Behind The Wheel", but its Nat King Cole's mellow yet thoroughly swinging version of "Route 66" that we want to conclude our mix and bring this trip to a safe conclusion. Imagine arriving at your destination while this song plays. The promise of another journey lies ahead, but for the moment, you just want to get out, stretch, and find some place to fall asleep. Happy driving! Be safe.

Cars have come a long way since the advent of anti-lock brakes and airbags. Modern car technology has significantly changed the way we drive. Relying on your peripheral vision and aggressive driving skills is no longer good enough for the average driver. We want more assistance and car manufacturers have delivered that with adaptive headlights, infrared cameras, and controls that can tell when a driver is sleepy. As great as all of these new technologies are, they have definitely made us stupider and the cars smarter. Check out these eight cars that are smarter than humans.

1. Subaru Legacy

   Subaru has never failed to impress when it comes to practicality and safety, but its high-performing Legacy model has proven to be smarter and savvier than most cars in its class. The Legacy has a five-star federal safety rating and is a top safety pick for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. A new addition to the Legacy's already top-notch safety features will be Subaru's EyeSight system, which acts as an extra pair of eyes for the driver by scanning the road and surrounding traffic and warning you when you move outside of the lines. This new, optional safety feature will appear in the 2013 models.

2. Audi A6

   Audi A6 is a force to be reckoned with. Not only is the A6 fast and flashy, but it's also incredibly safe. It earned top scores in impact tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and Audi's state-of-the-art technology never fails to impress. The A6 can be customized to your safety needs, with blind spot monitors with Audi Pre Sense, which senses driving dangers well in advance and notifies the driver of the severity of the situation, while automatically adjusting the airbags and seatbelts for an impending collision. The car also monitors dangers behind the car and prepares for potential rear-end impact.

3. Mercedes-Benz E-Class

   Mercedes-Benz E-Class lives up to its reputation and goes above and beyond most luxury vehicles in its safety and intelligence. The 2012 E-Class model received five out of five stars by the federal government for rollover performance and the IIHS named the car its top safety choice of the year. The E-Class comes with a slew of impressive safety features, including the Attention Assist and Pre-Safe systems, which monitor steering and detect driver drowsiness by measuring one's driving style within the first few minutes of a drive. The car even takes into account the chance of crosswinds and uneven road surfaces, but if signs of drowsiness continue, the system will alert you to pull over to rest. Talk about a guardian angel.

4. Volvo S60

   Volvo has always made incredibly safe vehicles, but one model in particular takes the cake for the line's safest and smartest car. The 2012 Volvo S60 has a five-star safety rating for crash and rollover risk tests and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named it a top safety pick. The S60 comes with many standard safety features, as well as some unique ones like a tire pressure monitoring system, front and rear park assist, driver alert control, and Volvo's line of high-tech emergency brake assist systems. One of which is City Safety, which automatically applies the brakes when the car is moving less than 20 mph and detects you're close to rear-ending another car or object.

5. Jeep Grand Cherokee

   The Jeep Grand Cherokee has been a popular SUV for several years, but the current generation has definitely outsmarted its competitors and drivers. The new Grand Cherokee may be more stylish and sleeker than its predecessors, but it hasn't sacrificed off-road brawn or safety either. The Grand Cherokee has a four-star safety rating in federal crash and rollover tests and its high-tech safety features are considered above average for the class. The vehicle's impressive Hill-Start Assist helps drivers maintain their brake pressure while starting up a stopped vehicle on a hill. The Grand Cherokee provide a nice balance for those who want to off-road in the safest way possible.

6. Buick LaCrosse

   The Buick LaCrosse is one of the safest and smartest cars around. The large sedan comes with a variety of safety features like GM's Stabilitrak stability control system, which helps detect and minimize loss of traction by automatically applying the brakes to safely steer the vehicle in the right direction. LaCrosse's OnStar system gives drivers piece of mind with automatic accident response, navigation, and roadside assistance. LaCrosse also comes with heads-up display, swivel headlamps to help with visibility at night, and exemplary front- and side-impact crash protection.

7. BMW 5-Series

   The BMW 5-Series is sleek, safe, and oh-so smart. The luxury sedan has cutting-edge technology and impressive safety features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection, and lane departure warnings. The 5-Series is also the first to have a night-vision system that detects pedestrians and moving objects outside the scope of the headlights and warns the driver on the navigation display. BMW's ConnectedDrive infotainment system provides a smart and easy way for drivers to have hands-free access to their cell phone, which reads text messages out loud and connects to various Internet-based services.

8. Chevrolet Sonic

   The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic has a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Its state-of-the-art technology, combined with the maximum protection of 10 air bags, makes the Sonic a leader in the subcompact category. The Sonic comes with rollover sensors, StabiliTrak electronic stability control, power-assisted front disc and rear drum brakes with anti-lock brakes, traction control and panic brake assist, as well as front seat belt pretensioners to better restrain occupant movement and reduce force during a crash.

In this dog-eat-dog world, it's hard to know who to trust. There are certain situations that give you the feeling that something suspicious is going on: everyone stops talking when you walk in a room, the car behind you follows you as you make four right turns, and of course, when the mechanic gives you an enormous bill for your car repairs. Mechanics have a bad reputation, and it's hard to feel like you're getting a good deal when your $100 tune-up ends up costing you $1,500. So how do you combat this feeling of helplessness most of us experience when we step into an auto shop? Just take these tips to heart and you can leave the mechanic with your dignity and your car intact.

1. Buy a service/repair manual for your car

   You don't have to be a certified mechanic to know a lot about your car. Just buy a service or repair manual for your specific make and model, and you'll be well-versed in how to make repairs to your car, or at least have a resource to double-check against a mechanic's recommendations. Buying a manual from any one of a dozen websites is a good, relatively cheap investment if you're planning on having your car for a while. Manuals actually give you enough information that you could make repairs yourself, so you'll be more than prepared to understand what your mechanic is trying to do.

2. Get a referral

   One of the most important parts of being smart at the auto repair shop is choosing the right mechanic in the first place. Once you find a mechanic you trust, the rest of the process becomes much easier and you'll know where to go whenever your car starts smoking or screeching. Chances are that you have some friends who have a mechanic they swear by and they'd likely be more than happy to pass on the shop's information. This will at least give you a starting point in your search for the perfect mechanic.

3. Check with Better Business Bureau

   Once you have a potential mechanic in mind, it's a great idea to check with the Better Business Bureau (or BBB) to see if any complaints have been filed against them. Even if you got the name of the shop from a friend, you'll want to know if they treat all their customers so well, especially if your friend is a particularly buxom girl that seems to get discounts everywhere she goes. The BBB gives ratings and accreditation to businesses around the U.S. and Canada, so you'll probably be able to get some kind of report on the mechanic you're considering. Also, check with other online consumer review sites like Yelp or Angie's List. These will all give you a better overall feel for how the mechanics treat their customers.

4. Ask for the written estimate before repairs are started

   The easiest way to start hating mechanics is to drop your car off with them and not talk prices until the repairs are already done. Most good mechanics will automatically give you an estimate before starting work, but you should make it clear that you want a written estimate before any repairs are done. Make sure it includes the labor costs. In addition, tell them you want them to call you for any additional repairs, especially if they're going to cost more than the estimate. In many states, you're allowed to refuse charges that go more than 10% over the written estimate if the mechanic didn't get approval first.

5. Take the mechanic for a ride

   There's almost nothing more embarrassing (in your adult life, at least) than having to imitate the noises your broken car is making in order for the mechanic to diagnose the problem. Instead, be very specific and descriptive with your explanation of the troubles, such as if the problem occurs when you hit a certain speed or are turning one direction. Better yet, ask if a mechanic will go on a ride with you, so you can make sure he is experiencing your issue first-hand. This can help him more accurately diagnose the problem and could save you money. After the repairs, mechanics should perform test drives on the vehicles to make sure they've fixed the problem, but it's a good idea to drive the vehicle yourself, with the mechanic if possible, before paying for the service. You'll feel better shelling out a mound of cash if you know the auto shop did a good job.

6. Consult your owner's manual

   Most of us only look at our owner's manual when we need to remember how to reset our clock radios or forget what our tire pressure should be. But this handy little book can save you a lot of unnecessary repairs at the auto shop. The owner's manual of your car will tell you how often and what kind of maintenance is needed. Mechanics often try to recommend many more parts or services than you originally came in for, so knowing what the owner's manual says can help you shut down anyone who's pushing you to commit to extra repairs. You'll be able to say with confidence, "No, I don't want that fluid flush, belt replacement, or new air filter. Just do what the manual says, please."

7. Get a second (and third) opinion

   Whenever you're thinking of making a big purchase, you compare prices, right? And if a doctor tells you you're dying, you're going to get a second opinion before throwing away all your money in Vegas. With many car repairs coming in at thousands of dollars, you should call several auto shops to see what they would charge for repairs. If you get several similar prices, you can feel confident that it is the right one. Or, you might discover that you can get the repair for much cheaper somewhere else or that another auto shop recommends a different, less expensive fix altogether.

8. Inspect your bill

   When you go to pick up your car after it's been repaired, don't leave without taking a good look at your invoice. It will list all the parts, repairs, and fees that were added up on your bill, and it should all look familiar to you since you've been approving the repairs throughout the process. If anything looks suspicious to you, though, ask your mechanic about it immediately. Whether it's a mistake, a scam, or something the mechanic was required to do, have the item in question taken off or explained to you so you can walk out the door knowing you were charged fairly. Mistakes do happen, so if you don't understand where a certain charge came from, don't hesitate to ask. A good mechanic will have no problem going through each item in your bill so you'll feel comfortable with it.

Every day, old car parts are tossed in landfills and left to rot, but just because they're old and may or may not be salvageable for the car doesn't mean they can't be recycled for other purposes. Giving a second life to old car parts not only helps the environment, but it also makes your investment go further. From rusty gears to chrome-plated grills, there's no limit to the beautiful and creative things you can do with old car parts. To get you started, here are seven cool uses for old car parts.

1. Home decor

   Old car parts can be repurposed into chic home decor and furniture that's both original and inexpensive. For example, take an old steering wheel or hubcap and some glass and you've got yourself an ultra-cool Lazy Susan coffee table. Or get steampunk savvy and make a desk lamp out of a carburetor that's both aesthetically pleasing and fully functional.

2. Wall art

   License plates make excellent art pieces. Whether you nail them into the wall or piece them together to make a magnetic message board, old license plates can give any room a cool, vintage look with little effort or expense. You can also combine automotive parts like nuts, bolts, and wires into a 3-D collage or shadow box for added wall decor.

3. Tire garden

   Old car tires make excellent gardening containers that can withstand the harsh elements of the outdoors and last an exceptionally long time. Repurposing your tires keeps them out of landfills and prevents potential fire hazards. Tire gardens allow your raised beds to stay warmer than the plants in the ground and they have a tendency to retain the moisture throughout the season.

4. Tiles

   Old car mirrors and colored light covers can be broken into smaller pieces to make lovely tiles you can use for mosaic artwork, backsplashes, floor tiling, or mirrors. You can even paint the tiles or shape them to your liking. There's really no limit to what you can do with these crafty tiles — just use your imagination!

5. Tire swing

   Surprise your kids by making a traditional tire swing from an old car tire. Make sure to choose a tire that suits the size of the kids (or adults). A large tire with a wide opening may not work for young kids, but will probably be just right for teens or adults. Pay attention to the wear of the tire and make sure it's comfortable to sit on. Just take a look at one of the many tutorials online to get the best tire swing on the block.

6. Wind chimes

   Ever wonder what you can do with old chrome auto emblems or hood ornaments? Why, make wind chimes, of course! But don't just stop there. You can also hang nuts, bolts, and spark plugs and listen to them clink and clank on a windy day.

7. Sculptures

   Put your welding or industrial gluing skills to good use by making magnificent sculptures out of random car parts. From the hubcap to the pushrod, there's no limit to the kinds of car parts you can use and how cool you can make them look together. If you need some inspiration, get online and browse the impressive steampunk sculptures made with car parts.

There's nothing quite like hitting trails and climbing rocks from the comfort of your vehicle. Off-roading is a true test of vehicle performance and craftsmanship, but finding the right machine to tackle uneven roads and unexpected terrain is harder than it looks. The automobile industry is full of heavy-duty SUVs and 4×4 trucks, but that doesn't mean they're all equipped to be taken off-road. If you're in the market for a rough and tough vehicle you can take on and off-road, then check out these seven to get your search started.

1. Jeep Grand Cherokee

   The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers the perfect combination of reliable off-road capability and luxury on-road performance. The current generation Grand Cherokee offers even more options for the off-roading enthusiast, such as four-wheel drive systems and Quadra-Lift air suspension for added ground clearance. In addition, Grand Cherokees now have the Selec-Terrain feature, which allows drivers to increase their off-roading abilities based on the varying terrain.

2. Toyota Tacoma

   The Toyota Tacoma is the only truck on the list because it packs a different kind of punch when it comes to off-roading capabilities. Compact and sporty, the Tacoma can climb with the best of them while maintaining a controlled, comfortable ride on any terrain. If you want more off-roading excitement, consider the TRD off-road performance package, which comes with an off-road-tuned suspension system as well as an uphill and downhill assist system.

3. Toyota FJ Cruiser

   The Toyota FJ Cruiser is big and brawny and one hell of an off-roading machine. Known for its excellent trail-rated performance and comfortable handling, the FJ Cruiser is a good choice for those prefer fun over practicality. With nine inches of ground clearance, two types of four-wheel drive, and a built-in inclinometer, the FJ is ready to play come rock or trail.

4. Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

   Range Rovers might be first-class luxury SUVs, but they are also fully equipped to get down and dirty off-road. Out of all the high-performance off-roading Range Rovers, the Evoque model is the baddest of them all. The Range Rover Evoque tops U.S. News & World Report's best off-road SUVs for its powerful engine and awesome off-road capabilities made possible by the impressive Terrain Response system that lets drivers change the suspension and driving force based on the terrain. If you're willing to plunk down $44,000 or more for a new off-roading vehicle, then set your sights on the Evoque.

5. Jeep Wrangler

   Thanks to its uncompromised off-roading capabilities, the Jeep Wrangler has been a favorite of outdoor adventure seekers for years. From rock-climbing to trail crawling, this SUV is a strong competitor off-road. This year's model comes with even more off-roading bells and whistles than before, including a new heavy-duty Pentastar engine. Affordable, powerful, and a joy to drive; the Jeep Wrangler is an all-around winner.

6. Nissan Xterra

   The Nissan Xterra has all the off-road prowess of the other vehicles listed here, but is smaller and narrower than most. The Xterra's smaller size allows drivers to go places other SUVs can't, while offering a fun, rugged ride on any terrain. Keep in mind that this vehicle drives like a truck on-road and can be quite the gas guzzler, but when it comes down to getting dirty off-road, Xterra is an affordable and reliable choice.

7. Toyota 4Runner

   The beloved Toyota 4Runner offers dynamic off-roading capability and everyday durability on-road. Those who want a tough and rugged ride should consider the 4×4 models, which come with the A-TRAC traction control system that lets drivers control the driving force of their wheels so they can safely tackle any terrain, wet or dry. All in all, the 4Runner is a great off-road companion and a reliable, family-friendly SUV.

Most drivers born before 1975 agree that features common in today's automobiles were once unimaginable. Back in the day, if you did a cross-country family road trip that included kids, the "rear seat entertainment system" was a coloring book and two or three stuffed animals. Car doors could be easily opened from inside by restless little passengers, and if someone took off their seat belt, there was no way for you to know until it was too late. Each year, manufacturers introduce new family and child friendly features to their cars. Some are simple and ingenious, while others are complicated and in some cases, not entirely safe. Here are eight features you might want in a car if you have kids.

1. Built-in booster seats

   All 50 states require "infants and children fitting specific criteria" be seated in child safety seats. Some cars come with built-in car safety seats, which are fine and safe, so long as the seat is appropriate for your child's age and weight. Before buying a car with this feature, consult the manufacturer for details on the height, weight, and age limits for the car seat. You will probably end up buying a separate car seat for an infant or for kids when they travel in another vehicle, so take that into consideration if the cost of a car with built-in child seats is prohibitive.

2. Remote keyless entry

   This is a fairly common and very family-friendly feature that simply allows the driver to lock or unlock a car's driver and passenger doors by pushing a button on a remote. It's a handy feature if you're carrying groceries, holding the hand of little ones, or find yourself parked in a poorly-lit area. Many remotes also come with a "panic button" that honks your car's horn and flashes its lights, a trick your kids might find extremely entertaining.

3. Flip-up trash bin

   Gum, candy wrappers, fruit rinds, fast food bags, and whatever a carsick child might spit up: it's all stuff that ends up on your backseat or floor unless your car has some kind of special trash can. The 2011 Honda Odyssey comes with a second row trash bin ring that holds a plastic grocery store or small wastebasket bag. Your kids can help keep the car clean by disposing trash in the bag, or create their own variation on free-throw shooting as a car game for longer road trips.

4. Rear-seat DVD player

   Older kids are usually content to stare out the window and daydream for the duration of long trips, but younger ones demand attention, which can be distracting and tiring for the parent driving. Sing-alongs and road games are fun, but they can't compare to watching hundreds of computer-animated penguins sing and tap dance. Back-seat DVD players come with headphones you can clamp over your kids' ears, immersing them in their favorite, ideally, G-rated movie and providing you with a couple hours of relative calm and silence.

5. Integrated sunshades

   This is a feature we'd like to see more car manufacturers embrace, especially those marketing to the Southern states. Rear retractable window shades effectively cover your car's rear window, keeping the sun out of a napping child's eyes and keeping other backseat passengers comfortable on particularly bright summer days. The 2011 Acura RL comes with sunshade made to block ultra violet rays, which is good news for the sensitive skin of infants and younger children.

6. Power sliding doors

   Power sliding doors, a feature common in minivans, make it easy for your children to safely get in and get out of the vehicle with just the push of a button. If you've ever had your child open up a side door too quickly and thoroughly dent the car parked next to you, or ignore your plea to "Please don't slam the door," sliding doors may provide you with some peace of mind.

7. Seat belt icon

   Some automakers provide an icon on car instrument panels that indicates who and who isn't buckled up in the backseat. This is particularly helpful if you have a child who likes to live on the edge and surreptitiously unbuckle their seat belt. There are seat belt laws in all 50 states except New Hampshire. So if you live in New Hampshire, and don't care if your kid goes through the front windshield in an accident, then this car feature probably won't interest you.

8. Back-up camera

   Back-up cameras are becoming more and more common in new vehicles. This safety feature allows the driver to see if anything is behind them as they pull out of a driveway or similarly tight spot. A back-up camera is especially helpful for spotting small children behind the car who you might not otherwise see. This and the fact that the camera will show you if you're about to back up into a tree or the mailman means your kids are safer whether inside or outside of the car.

There is certainly an art to dealing with car salesmen. You may think that the trick is to be intimidating, unreasonable, and act crazier than the craziest of car dealers. But negotiating is essentially two people trying to agree on a win/win deal. It need not be overly-dramatic, although some car salesmen may believe otherwise. So take a breath, put on your best "poker face," and check out these eight proven tips for dealing with car salesmen. After reading, you may even look forward to your next visit to a car dealership. (Photo by Peter Kaminski licensed through Creative Commons.)

1. Hold Your Cards Close to Your Chest

   Like the song says, "You got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em." Car dealers need to ask you questions about what you're looking to buy, and there's nothing wrong with that. But finding out as much as you can about the car you want to buy before arriving at the dealership will help you to ask the sales person pointed questions and control the dialogue. It's okay to be friendly, but you don't go to a car dealership to make a friend. You go there to buy a car for the lowest price possible. The dealer is there to sell it to you. Simple as that.

2. Do Your Homework

   Whether you're buying a new or used car, the more you know, especially with regards to what type of car you want and that car's market value, the better your chances of not paying more than you'd like or can afford. Doing your homework gives you added confidence in a situation where car dealers anticipate intimidating potential buyers. Edmunds.com is a great resource for car buyers, providing customer (retail) and dealer (wholesale) prices specific to your locality.

3. Know how car dealers make a profit

   Car dealers make more money selling extended warranties and dealer add-ons, like detailing and rust-proofing, than they do on the final price of the car. Dealers also profit from trade-ins, depending on what they pay for a car and what they get when it's sold. Also, when negotiating a price for a car, take into account the cost of dealership financing, and the possibility that the dealer is profiting from selling you a loan at a high interest rate.

4. Know the price of the car you want to buy

   Your advance research should include finding the dealer invoice, manufacturer's suggested retail, and fair purchase price for the specific car you want to buy. The dealer invoice, sometimes referred to as the wholesale price, is the price a dealer pays to a manufacturer for a car. The manufacturer's suggested retail price is just that, the price the car manufacturer recommends for the vehicle. And the fair purchase price is an average of what buyers across the U.S. are actually paying for the car. Consider too the market in your area, taking into account any repercussions from the recent economic downturn, and fine tune your estimate of what you're willing to pay.

5. Make an offer below the asking price

   Advice varies when it comes to how low you should go below the dealer's asking price for a car. Most dealers build a 20% gross margin into the price of a car, which means they'll ask you to pay up accordingly. Taking that into consideration, you offering the dealer 15% below the asking price is not unreasonable. Or, you can come up with an offer by increasing the wholesale cost of the car by 1% to 5%. Do the math at home, comparing your numbers with the car's fair purchase price. You can always tell the dealer you want him to make a profit, but they you're not going to let him take you to the cleaners. If he doesn't like your offer, he won't take it, and you can go elsewhere.

6. Turn down dealer add-ons

   It's never rude to say thanks, but no thanks. When it comes to add-ons, you can probably find someone cheaper in your locality to do detailing or rust-proofing of a newly purchased used or new car. Add-ons such as these are really just there for the dealer to make even more money from the sale. If there are features you do want as add-ons, research and price them online before visiting a dealer, so you can negotiate a fair price for each.

7. When it comes to financing the purchase, know how much you want to pay each month

   If you need a loan to finance the purchase of your car, you'll want to determine what you can afford to pay month-to-month, even if you end up with a preapproved loan from a bank or other lending institution and as a result, you don't need to negotiate financing with the car dealer. Before you visit a dealership, consider calling ahead to find out what their rates are for financing and compare their numbers with your local bank or credit union.

8. Be ready to walk away

   When you go in to a dealership to buy a car, be prepared to walk out without buying a car. That may sound strange, but there are other dealers you can go to if you don't feel like you're getting a fair deal. Politely telling a dealer after negotiations that you plan to shop around may actually prompt the dealer to phone you later with a better offer. It's not unheard of. So unless you're attached to one very specific car, be patient, stay flexible, and remember, like the aforementioned song says, "Know when to walk way, and know when to run!"

Parents, the time has come for you to find a car for your newly licensed driver, but before you hand over the keys to the family minivan or let your youngster pick out their dream car, you should think long and hard about this big decision. Safety and affordability are of the utmost importance to parents, while looking cool is all that really matters to kids. With these and a few other factors in mind, this list will help you find the right car for your first-time driver.

1. Honda Fit

   Affordability, reliability, and safety; the Honda Fit has it all. But don't let its small car category fool you. The Fit has a surprising amount of cargo space, which will definitely come in handy for towing friends around or moving off to college. This year's model of the subcompact car costs an average of $15,910 to $20,259.

2. Ford Focus

   The Ford Focus has continued to impress the masses with its smooth drive, affordability, and great fuel economy. Not to mention, parents of first-time drivers will love the Focus' MyKey feature, which allows you to customize a safe maximum speed and speaker volume allowed in the car.

3. Chevrolet Cruze

   The Chevrolet Cruze has all the perks a young driver could want and need at a good price. The compact sedan has great fuel economy, nice interiors, and drives like a charm. First-time drivers will enjoy the comfortable ride and bonus features like Bluetooth, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, and a USB port.

4. Toyota Camry

   When it comes to buying your first car, you can't go wrong with a trusty Toyota Camry. For years, the Camry has given budget-conscious drivers a reliable, safe, and comfortable ride that can last you "forever." This best-selling vehicle got a slight makeover in 2012, with roomier interiors, a smooth engine, and a nice mix of technology.

5. Volvo XC60

   If you're in the market for an SUV for your first-time driver, but don't want anything too flashy or expensive, then consider getting the Volvo XC60. Whether it's used or brand new, the XC60 provides exceptional safety and impressive features, such as adaptive headlights, blind spot monitoring, high-speed collision warning/avoidance, lane-departure warning, and an alert system that detects when drivers are tired or distracted. You can't beat that kind of protection.

6. Hyundai Accent

   The Hyundai Accent gets Kelley Blue Book's stamp of approval for affordability, safety, and exceptional roominess. This popular subcompact has grown in size and now has a significantly smoother and quieter ride, thanks to Hyundai's addition of fitted monotube shocks. All in all, it's a simple, small vehicle that packs a nice punch behind the wheel.

7. Honda Civic

   No matter what generation you get, the Honda Civic is one of the most reliable and fuel-efficient vehicles on the market, and, for most people, the price is just right. This year's redesigned model has a new, distinctive exterior, but continues to provide the practicality and easy, comfortable handling that Civic is known for. It's an all-around great choice for the money-conscious buyer.

8. Nissan Sentra

   The Nissan Sentra has something for everyone. It's a safe, affordable vehicle that gets good gas mileage, which is perfect for drivers who will be commuting for school or work. Even though it's a small, zippy car, the Sentra provides plenty of comfort and space for up to four passengers.

9. Ford F-150

   Fear not parents, the Ford F-150 is not the bad boy, gas-guzzling truck that you might think it is. In fact, the F-150 is one of the safest and most fuel-efficient trucks in its class, but in no way does it sacrifice comfort and coolness to bring you these awesome perks. The F-150 is a big and brawny truck that can haul with the best of them, which will definitely come in handy when moving off to college.

Bumper stickers! They're funny, defiant, and occasionally offensive, and will always be with us so long as people drive cars. The bumper sticker was created shortly after World War II by a Kansas City printer named Forest P. Gill. Gill's invention, a self-sticking sticker with images realized with fluorescent ink, became a way to market public safety campaigns and support political candidates. In the '60s, thanks in part to this country's counterculture and political and social activist movements, bumper sticker messages became much more provocative, a trend that continues to this day. However, most bumper stickers are just silly. Seven of the eight bumper stickers below fall into that category, with sticker number eight, recently and thankfully discontinued by its printer, being the one exception. (Photo by Richard Masoner licensed through Creative Commons.)

1. When this van's a-rockin' don't come a-knockin'!

   

   Since the '70s, the customized van has enjoyed the mystique of being a sanctuary for touring rock bands, stoned teenagers, and randy couples who prefer the smell of exhaust to that of clean sheets. In addition to decorating the outside of your van with a customized paint job, perhaps depicting an ocean filled with mermaids pursued by surfing hobbits playing Stratocasters, you'll want to slap this bumper sticker on the back fender so the whole world will know that you're not getting any. And you live with your mom.

2. Have a nice day

   

   It's simple, it's retro, and it's inane as hell. Rock this sticker on the back of your wimpy ride, and the potential for you to become a victim of what any judge will deem as justifiable road rage increases about a thousand percent. "Defendant, why did you attack the plaintiff's Volkswagen Beetle with a crowbar?" "It was that bumper sticker, your honor! 'Have a nice day'? I WAS having a so-so day until I saw that damn smiley face while gridlocked in rush hour traffic!"

3. Take a chill pill!

   

   A quintessentially '80s catch phrase that today is all the more menacing thanks in part to the now infamous blue pill verses red pill scene in the film The Matrix. The fact that two decades after the first Valley girl uttered this phrase, nearly every other television commercial is advertisement for some kind of mood-altering drug gives us pause.

4. I brake for Pac-Man

   

   These days, everything old is new again, and so-called vintage video games are no exception. There's even an exhibit of playable video games, including Pac-Man and Space Invaders, currently touring museums across the country. The show's curator explains that video games "stand apart from so many traditional forms of art because they are an amalgam of all." But in our digital age, where games have become insanely complex narratives that immerse players into a virtual nightmare, does the image of a slow-moving, dot-gobbling yellow blob have the power to do anything except cause a driver to fall asleep at the wheel?

5. Disco sucks

   

   Back in the day, disco sucked. Now, disco is respected for its multicultural appeal, its innovations in recording and production, and great singers featured on tracks like "Good Times," "I Feel Love," and "Stayin' Alive." If in 2012, you're still griping about disco, most people are going to assume you just don't know how to dance, have no sense of humor, or just haven't looked at your car's rear bumper since 1977 ("Oh, man. I thought that sticker would just fall off after a few trips to the car wash…").

6. D.I.L.L.I.G.A.F.

   

   Here's an acronym that definitely works better as a tweet than a bumper sticker. Any driver right behind you who tries to sort out what word goes with which letter will most likely plow into the back of your car, sending your forehead into the steering wheel and that hot coffee you were drinking onto your lap. Then again, if you truly don't g.a.f., and the driver behind you is rocking one of those "Have a nice day" bumper stickers, this whole scenario may be what sociologists refer to as a "self-fulfilling prophecy." Hey, now that's a saying that belongs on a bumper sticker!

7. UFOs are real

   

   This bumper sticker of course begs the question, if UFOs are real, then why are you driving a car? Back in the '70s, Watergate and the Vietnam War fueled the public's interest in conspiracy theories, especially those regarding the government and military. Around this time, the aphorism "UFOs are real," which sounds really silly if you say it out loud, began appearing on the rear bumpers of automobiles. Popular culture, as it had in the '50s, embraced the idea of aliens visiting Earth from outer space, inspiring films including Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and its catch ominous phrase "We are not alone." (Note to the Disco sucks crowd, there was even a disco version of the film's theme!)

8. Don't Re-Nig, 2012!

   

   This offensive bumper sticker is apparently the product of a company in Hinesville, Ga., called Stickatude.com. The sticker's knee-slapping pun, "Don't Re-Nig, 2012!" refers to President Obama, the joke being that "re-nig" sounds like "renege" and "nig" is shorthand for the N-word. Forbes magazine dutifully tracked down the owner of Stickatude.com who said, without a trace of irony, "I do find it amazing and entertaining that one of our stickers has become a racist thing." Unlike the bumper stickers above, this one was retired almost as quickly as it appeared.

Radical, absurd, futuristic, and groundbreaking car concepts could potentially be dangerous ideas if they were to ever be implemented without further research and technological awareness. Most concept cars never see the production line, and for good reason, even though they come straight from the best engineers in the world. Since concept ideas are specifically designed to push boundaries of science and showcase design and engineering feats, they aren't necessarily practical or even proven to be safe. Here are some of the most dangerous future car concepts that will surely raise some eyebrows.

1. BMW Lovos Concept

   The Lovos concept, which stands for Lifestyle of Voluntary Simplicity, seems like something straight out of the movie Transformers. The exterior has a ton of exchangeable and retractable metal plates, which are covered in solar photovoltaic cells. What makes the concept almost cringe-worthy is that the plates look so sharp that you have to wonder what would happen in the event of a crash. Would the plates go flying out as sharp debris? Looking at this concept makes our hairs stand on end.
   
   

2. Volkswagen Aqua

   Designed to adapt to China's varied and harsh terrain, this concept looks beastly, able to withstand extreme "off road" conditions. The concept introduces a lightweight and very durable material, powered by hydrogen, and is able to "hover" just above the ground. It looks like an alien hovercraft, which is not necessarily dangerous. What's disconcerting about the design is that there is only one door, and it's on the back of the vehicle.
   
   

3. Honda Native Concept

   This concept is really unconventional to say the least: a talking engine, flying wheels, and a color-changing chameleon exterior car that runs on pure air. Take a moment to re-read that sentence if you have to. While we're unlikely to see anything like this in the future, the concept highlights an interesting development in paint and exteriors: photo-chromic technology. This allows the car to change its color. While we've seen this in the movies, in real life it could be pretty dangerous in terms of visibility on the road.
   
   

4. Peugeot Globule

   Introduced as the world's first shape-shifting car, the Peugeot Globule is made of four separate spheres that move together, and can be rearranged in a globule polymorphous shape. Powered by a central battery and covered with a flexible polymer covering, we wonder if the changing shapes could potentially be dangerous when interacting with other vehicles on the road. Since the car can be arranged as four spheres into a single line assemblage, this could make it less visible to other cars, and in the event of collision, more dangerous for the passengers.

5. Mini Beachcomber

   The sporty, beachy fun, and open-air qualities of the Mini Beachcomber make it a highly desirable alternative to the famously doorless Jeep Wrangler. However, the open air of the Mini has caused it to get dismal crash test results. Without additional side-bracing to protect occupants during a crash, this concept may never see the production line.
   
   

6. Audi Urban Concept

   While electric cars are still in the process of becoming mainstream modes of transportation, Audi is working hard on an alternative to the hassle of charging at power outlet stations. This concept relies on Audi Wireless Charging (AWC), which refers to contactless induction charging. Though Audi assures that the process will prove no threat or danger to occupants, we can't help but wonder how alternating fields of electricity will pose no danger to people, animals, or the environment. It seems much more research needs to be done.
   
   

7. Google Car Project

   Using artificial-intelligence software that can sense anything near the car and mimic decisions made by a human driver, Google is creating the Google Car, which is essentially a driverless car. Robotic driving cars have amendable qualities, but they can also be limiting and give the driver less control over their own car and movement. What happens when there is a glitch in the software? There is something slightly dangerous and questionable when we depend on software 100%.